What is inpatient mental health treatment?

Inpatient mental health treatment means that a person stays overnight in a hospital to get treatment for a mental illness. How long they stay depends on their symptoms. But it's usually for several days or longer.

It's common for someone to go to a mental health hospital for this treatment. Or they could get treatment at a general hospital that has a separate mental health department.

A hospital stay may be voluntary. This means that the person agrees to go to the hospital. Or it may be involuntary. In that case, the person doesn't agree to go.

If a person is a threat to themself or others, an involuntary stay may be needed. And an emergency hold may be placed on the person. This means that the person must stay at the hospital for a certain amount of time, usually 72 hours.

Inpatient treatment may be done if a person tries to harm themself or others. A person also may go if they have mental illness symptoms, such as seeing or hearing things that aren't there. Or they may go if they are very depressed. Sometimes treatment is done to help people start or adjust medicines.

Treatment can look different in each hospital. But in general, here's what you can expect if someone has inpatient care. It can include:

• A treatment team. Medical doctors, counselors, social workers, nurses, and medical aides are usually part of this team.
• A treatment plan. It may include a review of the person's symptoms or a diagnosis. It also can have treatment options, like medicines and group counseling.
• A medical exam. The person may be checked for other health conditions. This could include having their blood drawn or giving a urine sample.
• Confidentiality. A person's care is private. But they can sign a release form that gives their treatment team permission to talk to others, such as family members. If the person is under 18 and you're their parent, you may be able to ask about their care without this form.
• A discharge plan. It outlines the care someone needs after they leave the hospital.